View: Three things we learned from Everton in draw v Aston Villa
Everton suffered a huge blow to their European hopes on Thursday as they slumped to a goalless stalemate against Aston Villa.
The Blues have been strong on the road this season and had hoped to follow up a well fought win over West Ham with victory at Villa Park, but sadly it wasn’t to be.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock in a game that was largely void of clear-cut opportunities, leaving Everton’s European ambitions all but extinguished.
At Goodison News we have picked out three things we learned from the recent draw.
VAR is still as questionable as ever
Tyrone Mings must consider himself extremely lucky not to have been given his marching orders against Everton, and it further puts the long-term viability of VAR into doubt.
Of course it ultimately comes down the officiating which should be scrutinised, but the Toffees have suffered more times than we can count this season from decisions not being made correctly, and it’s certainly frustrating.
Suited to advanced role
Allan has now impressed in consecutive performances while playing in a much more progressive role, and Carlo Ancelotti must now consider this his strongest position.
Though the Brazilian is a reliable performer when screening the back four, Everton miss out on his superior ball-playing ability, and we need to see him continue in a more direct capacity.
Chance creation is key
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was once again starved for service against Aston Villa, and with the Blues not having any chance creating playmakers save for the unavailable James Rodriguez, the club have a problem.
Too much onus is being placed on James remaining fit, and Everton must explore signing reinforcements who can act in that role if they are to truly bolster their squad options this summer.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit blasted this out of control Blues player in the draw against Villa.
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